PCB Physical Outline Estimation for Automated Feature Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of distinguishing physical features from auxiliary features in PCB design files is time-consuming and error-prone, leading to increased costs and delays in manufacturing, especially when dealing with designs from various sources and complex electronics projects.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatically generating and approving an estimated physical outline of PCB designs, using a user interface to distinguish between physical and auxiliary features, allowing users to confirm or modify the outline to ensure only physical features are manufactured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual differentiation between physical and auxiliary features is performed, then manufacturing accuracy is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of physical feature identificationVSAvoidtime for manual feature differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically differentiating between physical and auxiliary features through algorithmic analysis of PCB design files. The automated outline generation system processes design data independently without requiring manual intervention to identify feature types, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual differentiation while maintaining manufacturing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of visually inspecting and differentiating features with an automated computational system. The system uses algorithmic processing to analyze PCB design files, automatically distinguish physical features from auxiliary information, and generate accurate manufacturing outlines, substituting human judgment with automated intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual modification of PCB design files is performed, then manufacturing accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of physical feature identificationVSAvoidspeed of PCB design file processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically analyzing and processing PCB design files before manufacturing begins. The automated outline generation system pre-identifies physical features and creates manufacturing-ready outlines in advance, eliminating the need for manual modification during the manufacturing preparation phase and thereby increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual file modification with automated computational processing. The system algorithms automatically interpret PCB design files, distinguish relevant features, and generate modified outlines without human intervention, dramatically increasing processing speed while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated outline generation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of PCB design file processingVSAvoidcomplexity of automated feature differentiation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the complex task of feature differentiation into distinct analytical stages. The automated system processes PCB design files through separate functional modules that identify different feature types, analyze spatial relationships, and generate outlines independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If manual review of PCB design files is performed, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but time for production delays increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of manufacturing configurationVSAvoidtime for design file review and approval

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically reviewing and validating PCB design files against manufacturing requirements. The automated outline generation system independently verifies feature identification and creates production-ready configurations without requiring manual review, thereby maintaining manufacturing reliability while eliminating time-consuming human review processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12400061B2Methods and systems for printed circuit board physical outline estimation and approval

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 BOARDERA SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

An aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a system for printed circuit board (PCB) outline generation including at least one processor configured to receive one or more electronic PCB design files defining a PCB design. The at least one processor is also configured to process the one or more electronic PCB design files to distinguish physical features of the PCB design from non-physical (auxiliary) features of the PCB design. The at least one processor is also configured to generate an estimated physical outline for the PCB design that encompasses the physical features and excludes the auxiliary features. The at least one processor is also configured to electronically store the estimated physical outline in association with the PCB design. Other aspects are included.